Question to the Department for Education:

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, whether it is his policy that students be able to choose the supplier for their Disabled Students Allowances.

Students applying for Disabled Students’ Allowances have their needs independently assessed and potential suppliers for any support required are chosen by the needs assessor. In general, the needs assessor must provide the Student Loans Company (SLC) with at least two quotes from DSAs registered suppliers. The final decision on the supplier is taken by SLC.

Students awarded a computer under DSAs can elect to purchase their computer through a high street retailer, and students who receive non-medical support prior to commencing their course can choose to continue receiving support from the same supplier if that supplier is registered to provide DSAs support.